X Factor winner
Alexandra Burke, 23, talks to Metro about why her West End debut has left her feeling like a nervous wreck, performing at Marvin Humes and
Rochelle Wiseman’s wedding, and what she does to unwind.

Alexandra Burke: I’ve been blessed (Picture: Getty)What are you doing for Children In Need?

I’m doing Pop Goes The Musical for them. I’m singing in Les Miserables and I’m singing the song On My Own, which is the big song from the musical. It’s a great honour.

Is performing in the West End an ambition you’ve had?

I’ve always enjoyed going to the theatre and seeing musicals. In terms of it being an ambition and something I want to do in the future – I’ve never crossed it off. It’s all about timing. At this point in my life, there’s more I’d like to achieve right now before going down that road. It’s an awesome road to go down but when you go down it you stay there. Just doing an iconic musical for this is a real honour.

Are you looking forward to it?

I’m so scared. I’m a nervous wreck. It’s such an emotional and beautiful song there’s a lot at stake. I don’t want to muck it up. The people that do it every single day are amazing. It’s a lot to live up to.

Were you happy with the reception for your current album?

Heartbreak On Hold is an awesome album. I’ve had a great reaction.

What difference did being an executive producer on the album make?

I oversaw everything. When I was doing my previous album, Overcome, it was tough because I only had a limited amount of time to make it before the next round of X Factor started. I had great control but not the amount I had with this album, where I had more involvement with the writing and producing. It was great.

You recently performed at Marvin Humes and Rochelle Wiseman’s wedding – had you done wedding singing before?

Yes, I had. It was a beautiful wedding and it was a real honour to perform for two dear friends. I sang I’m Every Woman and All The Man That I Need.

Do you do many corporate gigs?

Quite a few. I was in Mexico recently for Richard Branson . He flew out a lot of people to celebrate his airline now going to Cancun. We stood on the wing of a plane and he picked me up for the pictures. I was scared he was going to drop me but he didn’t. Then I performed for him and his guests at two parties. It was fun.

What’s the worst gig you’ve done?

I’ve been lucky. I’ve been blessed. There haven’t been any bad ones. I did a gig at Hyde Park recently where 30,000 people turned up to see me for free. That was incredible. It was my dream to perform in Hyde Park and to tick that one off the list made me a very emotional person that day.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

Being able to connect with my fans and always giving back, which is why I’m doing this for Children In Need.

What are you proudest of achieving in your career?

Doing this with Les Mis has been a proud moment because when I told my mum she looked like she was about to cry. Les Mis is her favourite musical.

You relax by baking apparently – what’s the appeal?

I can bake. I’m just putting it out there. It’s my biggest hobby. No one believes me but I do. I can do a good lemon drizzle cake, a really good chocolate fudge cake, the most amazing cookies – any flavour you want, cupcakes. I’ve got a sweet tooth, which can be a problem.

What are your baking tips?

Buy a KitchenAid. Mine’s pink. You put the ingredients in that bowl and that little thing mixes up the goodness. And a good apron is essential. If anyone wants to make a good lemon drizzle, look on Jamie Oliver’s website because his nan’s recipe is awesome.

What are people’s misconceptions of you?

A few online stories said I was this massive diva, which I’m not. That’s the only thing I’ve ever read that’s upset me. I don’t know where that came from but people make up horrible stuff – it comes with the job.

What’s been your most extravagant purchase?

My favourite purchase has been my house. I bought it in August last year but didn’t move in until the week before Christmas because I was knocking down walls and doing all the interior décor. All I wanted was to make sure I could have all my family around the table for Christmas dinner and I achieved that.

Did you get any flash fixtures and fittings?

No, there’s nothing flash in there apart from my dogs maybe. I’ve got two, a Yorkshire terrier called Alfie and chihuahua called Prince. They’re good friends. I love them.